It is usually a low, spreading shrub with pinkish-lilac to purple flowers and is widespread in the Northern Territory and all mainland states except Victoria.

[11][12] Because Eremophila gilesii rapidly regenerates after clearing of mulga, it is regarded as an agricultural weed in places such as south-west Queensland.

[13] It is a prolific producer of seeds and can easily form dense stands of up to 12,000 shrubs per hectare (5,000 per acre),[14] restricting the growth of pasture.

[15] Biological control with the grasshoppers Monistria discrepans and M. pustulifera has been trialled[16] as has management such as heavy stocking after rainfall exceeding 40 mm (2 in) in areas where this plant is a problem.

[18] Aboriginal people use this eremophila in several ways including as a decoction and infusion to treat ailments such as headache, chest pains, sores and colds.

Mature plants are drought and frost tolerant but respond to watering during long dry spells and to light pruning to manage its shape.